Saudi attorney general: ‘No special treatment to corruption suspects’

Sheikh Saud Al Mojeb, Attorney General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and member of the supreme anti-corruption committee formed by Royal Order on Saturday by Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman, announced that the committee was undertaking its measures in accordance to the law.

According to a Saudi Newspaper, Mojeb said the newly-formed anti-corruption body of the Kingdom is undertaking its measures in accordance with the law.

He pledged a ‘firm application of justice’ after an anti-corruption sweep that reportedly saw the arrests of dozens of senior figures including princes, ministers and a top business tycoon.

“The suspects are being granted the same rights and treatment as any other Saudi citizen. A suspect’s position or status does not influence the firm and fair application of justice,” the attorney general added in a statement released by the information ministry.

“There is an independent judicial process underway, which will be fully respected,” he declared, adding that everyone was presumed innocent until proven guilty, and everyone’s legal rights would be preserved.

“These actions were taken as a result of widespread consultations among the committee’s relevant bodies that comprise the heads of the National Anti-Corruption Commission; the Control and Investigation Board; the General Auditing Bureau; as well as the Attorney General at the Public Prosecutor’s Office; and the head of the Presidency of State Security. Committee membership stretches across all relevant government offices to ensure proper checks and balances,” he said further.

“This is part of an overhaul to ensure transparency, openness and good governance,” concluded the statement.

It is apropos to highlight here that Saudi authorities detained 11 princes, four current ministers and dozens of former ministers as part of its anti-corruption campaign, Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV reported on Sunday.

Arabiya said 11 princes and dozens of former ministers had been detained through a new anti-corruption committee, headed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, which was formed by royal decree on Saturday. The suspects were not named.

Saudi authorities have stated that they will be freezing accounts of suspects detained by the Kingdom on corruption charges, reported Al Arabiya. Officials confirmed no ‘preferential treatment’ will be given and cases will be handled as per procedure.

Saudi Center for International Communication stated that money in frozen accounts which appears to be linked to corruption cases will be reimbursed to the Saudi state’s General Treasury.